Applications of Molecular Recognition in Chemistry

Dear Colleagues,

Molecular recognition refers to the specific interactions between molecules, and it is essential, particularly in considering biochemical phenomena. The term "molecular recognition" was first proposed by chemist Jean-Marie Lehn in his 1987 publication "Supramolecular Chemistry: Concepts and Perspectives." Since then, research on molecular recognition has expanded explosively, and the field has been recognized with multiple Nobel Prizes in 1987, 2001, and 2016. Molecular recognition, which originated from fundamental research, continues to have a wide range of applications and remains at the forefront of scientific inquiry.

There are currently three main areas of applied research based on molecular recognition. The first is the advancement of life sciences and drug discovery based on the understanding of biomolecules. By mimicking biomolecules, we can understand their interactions and utilize this knowledge to elucidate biological functions and develop new pharmaceuticals. The second area is the development of molecular machines. Molecular recognition plays a crucial role in the design and construction of molecular machines and robots, leading to the development of foundational technologies for building molecular systems. The third area focuses on new material development. By developing materials capable of molecular recognition, we can create novel sensors and catalysts.

These fields are experiencing further advancements and gaining attention through their integration with adjacent fields such as artificial intelligence, quantum technology, computational science, nanotechnology, and super-resolution microscopy for observing, measuring, and controlling molecules at the molecular level. As this year marks the 35th anniversary since the proposal of molecular recognition, our aim is to examine the future prospects and challenges of the interdisciplinary field of molecular recognition by focusing on a Special Issue dedicated to molecular recognition and highlighting the latest cutting-edge applied research in the field.

Prof. Dr. Takahito Ohshiro
Dr. Shunsuke Tomita
Guest Editors

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• chemical reaction
• chemical sensing
• supramolecule
• self-assembly
• molecular imprinting
• biomaterials
• molecular computing
• molecular/nano robotics/machine
• molecular recognition modeling
• biointerfaces
• material design/simulation